Augustinian Order Elects Father Joseph L. Farrell as New Prior General

Prior Provincial Fr. Robert P. Hagan, O.S.A. (center) with the incoming prior general, Fr. Joseph L. Farrell, O.S.A. (left), and the outgoing prior general, Fr. Alejandro Moral Anton, O.S.A. (right) pose for a formal portrait at Villanova University in Villanova, Pennsylvania. (Photo courtesy of the Augustinian Province of Saint Thomas of Villanova)

Newly elected Prior General, Father Joseph L. Farrell, O.S.A., brings decades of dedicated service and leadership to his new role at the helm of the worldwide Augustinian Order.

Article by Maddie Tyler, Chief Senior News Editor

VATICAN CITY — In a significant leadership change for the Augustinian Order, members of the Augustinian General Chapter have elected Father Joseph L. Farrell, O.S.A., as the new prior general. The election follows a period of prayer and reflection, with the chapter members expressing gratitude for Fr. Farrell's humility, experience, and willingness to lead the global religious order.

Born on July 11, 1963, in Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania, Fr. Farrell's life has been deeply rooted in faith and education. The son of Francis A. and Patricia S. (Shields) Farrell, he was baptized at St. Andrew Catholic Church in his hometown. He attended St. Andrew Parochial School and later Msgr. Bonner High School. His academic journey continued at Villanova University, where he earned a B.S. in business administration in 1985.

After graduating, Fr. Farrell entered the pre-novitiate program at St. Augustine Friary in Villanova before professing his first vows in 1987 and solemn vows in 1990. He pursued theological studies at the Washington Theological Union, receiving an M.A. in Theology in 1991. He was ordained a priest on June 29, 1991, by Bishop Francis Murphy.

Vatican City — In a significant leadership change for the Augustinian Order, members of the Augustinian General Chapter have elected Father Joseph L. Farrell, O.S.A., as the new prior general. The election follows a period of prayer and reflection, with the chapter members expressing gratitude for Fr. Farrell's humility, experience, and willingness to lead the global religious order.

Born on July 11, 1963, in Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania, Fr. Farrell's life has been deeply rooted in faith and education. The son of Francis A. and Patricia S. (neé Shields) Farrell, he was baptized at St. Andrew Catholic Church in his hometown. He attended St. Andrew Parochial School and later Msgr. Bonner High School. His academic journey continued at Villanova University, where he earned a B.S. in business administration in 1985.

After graduating, Fr. Farrell entered the pre-novitiate program at St. Augustine Friary in Villanova before professing his first vows in 1987 and solemn vows in 1990. He pursued theological studies at the Washington Theological Union, receiving an M.A. in Theology in 1991. He was ordained a priest on June 29, 1991, by Bishop Francis Murphy.

Fr. Farrell's service has taken him to various roles and locations, showcasing a commitment to both pastoral care and education. His early assignments included serving at Saint Augustine Parish in Lawrence, Massachusetts, and as a chaplain at his alma mater, Msgr. Bonner High School. He also served as a campus minister at Merrimack College from 1996 to 2003.

His dedication to theological study led him to Rome, where he earned an STL in 2005 and an STD in 2007 from the Pontifical Gregorian University. Upon returning to the United States, he took on leadership and teaching roles at Villanova University, serving as the director of programming and outreach for the Office for Mission Effectiveness.

Fr. Farrell's leadership was further recognized in 2013 when he was elected vicar general and assistant general for North America during the General Chapter.

In a statement, Fr. Robert P. Hagan, O.S.A., the prior provincial of the Augustinian Province of Saint Thomas of Villanova, praised the election. "At this time, we give thanks to God for our dedicated and committed servant leader," he said, adding prayers for "wisdom, strength and grace as he exercises this important responsibility on behalf of our Order and the Church."

Fr. Farrell now assumes the role of prior general, a position that will place him at the helm of the worldwide Augustinian Order. The appointment is seen as a testament to his decades of service, theological expertise, and proven leadership within the Augustinian community.